My Recent Comments

It's great to get a reader's view. I've never had problems with stuff like that either. As you said, these things happen in life.

You've just confirmed what I believed to be true.

My heroine has also battled Hodgkins at 17, went into remission at 18, and is struggling not to get involved with anyone. Not until she's considered 'cured' - an event that is mere months away. She's cautiously upbeat, I guess you'd say. My CP's seem to like her and root for her so I think I'm on the right track.

This one is finished and the 2nd of three books about siblings. Just panicking a little.

The first ms is with Susan Litman after requested revisions - possibly on Gail's desk now. (fingers crossed)  

Is it forbidden for heroines to have had sex at an early age, say 16? 

In my heroine's backstory, she was seduced by an older, unscrupulous man, and it's only touched on in the story, but is key to how she feels about her mother's death, because he was her mom's bf.

It's not glamorized in the least, but is realistic to her situation and socio-economic background.

Thanks, everyone, for all the congrats and good wishes. This group is really supportive and great. I'm sorry I haven't gotten back over here since I posted my good news, but I was a little slap-happy for a few days.

Saturday I had an all-day chapter meeting and got home to find the revisions in my stack of mail! Susan wasn't kidding about sending them in a couple days. Of course, they're not simple tweaks, but they're not extensive either. After reading through them thinking about the changes for a couple days, I dove in.

And now, the 'catching up' part:

Corrinne - Congrats on getting that sub out the door.

Nell - I e-mailed them back in June and was told to wait another 2 weeks. It was 7-1/2 mos before I got Susan's e-mail. So relax. Stuff happens. And GOOD LUCK!!!

Maureen - I've gotten requests off both a contest and a pitch, but that's just my experience.

Lisa62 - Good luck w/your submission and the pitch!

Michelle - thanks for posting the link to your article.

Melissa James - The first look at revisions is daunting, but I agree with you. Susan's notations are spot on and after reading through them and her letter a couple times, I could see how the changes would make the manuscript stronger. I really don't have any problems with any of the requested revisions. Yay! I LOVE that she sandwiches the 'fix this' comments in-between what she liked.

Melissa Blue - congrats on those revisions!

(((Lonie))) - I'm sorry about the R. But it does sound like they liked something enough to give you some feedback. That's BIG. Listen to Chris.

Kris - congrats and good luck on that submission to Instant Seduction. Wishing you a belated Happy Birthday!

Dee - Yay, you! Re-writing is hard work. You deserve a treat for finishing that Blaze. Sending positive vibes your way.

And now...back to my revisions cave. Hope I didn't miss anyone. If I did it wasn't intentional, and I do wish you the appropriate sentiment.

Until next time...

Thanks to all who offered congrats on my revisions request. They came FAST! Got them Saturday and I've been working on them, so haven't gotten back in here to comment.

 Rae, keep us posted. I agree w/ you. It doesn't sound like an ulcer. Hope they find out what's wrong so they can fix you. :) Hugs.

Sorry you're so miserable. Can't say I've ever had that problem, but keep after those doctors. Be the squeaky wheel. Life is too short to live it in pain and misery. I'd be calling the Gastro every morning to see if they have a cancellation. If nothing opens up within a few days, or if you can't stand it any more, head to the ER and get someone to look at you.

Sandy,

Congrats on getting that ms out the door. Good for you!

I've reworked an old manuscript - my first. It's not for the faint of heart and requires a bit of ruthlessness. In the first version my heroine was way too wimpy and I thought I'd just let it grow dust bunnies under the desk. Then I heard Leanne Banks talk about how she kept rewriting her rejected manuscripts until they sold.

So I went back to the drawing board with that manuscript. First, I re-read the whole thing. I dreaded the re-write, but I also wanted to see those characters in print. The heroine got a gutsy personality, altered background and a stronger GMC. Naturally, that changed other aspects, but I could see how it would make the story stronger and kept going.

Once it was polished, I pitched it to Susan Litman at Nat'l, sent in the requested full, and today she asked for revisions. That big beam of blinding light? That's my megawatt smile.

My advice? If you really love your characters and have the ability to kiss great scenes that don't work anymore goodbye, then go for it. Nothing says you can't save the cut pieces in a Discards file.

Get a request for revisions, you get:
1 carat pair of diamond studs in your choice of cut

Hmm. Think I'll take the brilliant cut round - a classic. 

Susan Litman e-mailed me this morning with a very gracious note and is sending me revision notes on the full she requested. I'm so discombobulated, it's not even funny!

Cora, as for average wait time, it varies widely. My full was with Special Edition for 14 months. I've heard of others who received a response within weeks. All I can say is you have to develop a lot of patience in this business. Good luck with your submission!